New Audi A5 coupe to launch in 2017

Audi upcoming A5 coupewill rival the likes of the BMW 4 Serieswhen
it goes on sale next year 2017.

The A5 is already one of the oldest models in Audi line-up, having been introduced as long ago as 2007. The new model will feature
an extended wheelbase, adding extra cabin space in a class where a little more
practicality can go a long way.

The move to the A4 five-link suspension set-up and a
weight saving of about 100kg should give the A5 a little more agility, too,
although the car will still be pitched as more of a style-focused model than
BMW handling-orientated 4 Series.

The A5 will get the latest A4 range of turbocharged
four-cylinder petrol engines, as well as 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesel options.

Petrol and
diesel V6 will be fitted to the cars at the top of the conventional A5 range,
although a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid, using the same 1.4 TFSI engine and
electric motor set-up as the A3 Sportback e-tron, is also considered
likely.

Spy shots
have shown that the A5 coupe; will retain its subtle side-on profile but adopt
the crisp, slim headlights and tail-lights of the latest A4. Its
cabin will also be based heavily on that of the saloon, including the option of
Audi’s well-received Virtual Cockpit instrument panel.

Audi will
prepare a new RS5 to give it a rival for the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe
and BMW M4. As with the next generation of RS4, it will switch from
a normally aspirated V8 with 444bhp to a twin-turbocharged V6 producing around
500bhp. The performance model should arrive soon after the regular editions;
Audi is said to have been focusing on delivering its RS versions earlier in the
product cycle, due to customer demand.

The A5 coupe; is being lined up for an introduction in the
first six months of next year. That could mean a public debut at one of the
American motor shows during the preceding winter, either Los Angeles this
November or Detroit in January next year.

Farther down the line, Audi will launch successors to the A5
Cabriolet and A5 Sportback. The drop-top is considered key for the US market,
while the five-door is needed in order to offer an alternative to BMW 4
Series Gran Coupe.